Abstract: Cornus L. s. 1. is a large polytypic genus. The classificantion of which has been so different that some authors recognize several separate genera, while others treat them as either subgenera or sections. New evidence from many disciplines such as palynology, cytology, wood anatomy and embryology supports the view that the genus should remain in the broad sense. I basically agree with the treatment by Ferguson (1966_b) before my finishing a comprehensive study on Cornus L. s. 1. except for supporting the separation of subgenus Afrocrania as an independent genus. A new subgenus Sinocornus Q. Y. Xiang, containing one species, C. chinensis Wangerin, is established here on account of its inflorescence axillary and different from the other members of the genus which all have terminal inflorescences only. The inflorescence developed from a terminal bud implicates the sympodial nature of axis of stem and the one from an axillary bud the monopodial one. It is reasonable to regard the character as of subgeneric value. Also a new combination, Cornus subgen. Syncarpea (Nakai) Q. Y. Xiang, is proposed here as a substitute for Cornus subgen. Benthamia (C. B. Clarke) Schneider used for a long time. Because the valid publication of the former name subgen. Syncarpea Nakai is earlier than the latter one. The types of inflorescences of 8 subgenera represented by type or selected species are illustrated.

Key words: Cornus, subgen.Sinocornus Q.Q.Y.Xiang, subgen.Syncarpea(Nakai)Q.Y.Xiang,